Charminster tea party raises hundreds for guide dogs

Guests gathered at the Pilgrims’ Retreat Garden at Hill Barn Farm just north of Dorchester and got to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam donated by Roddas and home made cakes.

Guide dog Esther (Image: Ali Hutchison)

There was also a demonstration given by trainer Marianne Griffiths and dogs Lottie and India, with guests also learning first-hand about the behaviours that guide dogs are taught during their training as well as the reasons behind them. 

All money raised from the event is going towards the Guide Dogs charity. 

The Mayor of Dorchester attended the event providing his lap to allow India to demonstrate a chin rest; a behaviour which helps to build trust and cooperation between the owner and dog. 

The Mayor of Dorchester with dog India at the tea party (Image: Ali Hutchison)

Guests also had the opportunity to explore the country garden, which featured a sculpture trail.

 A spokesperson for the event said: "This was no quiet day, with a happy burble of chatter, clink of vintage crockery and the odd puppy-in-training bark!

"There’s still some totting up but the total raised was many hundreds of pounds.

"Guide Dogs has a constant need to enrol new puppy raisers in Dorset, and fund raising organisers in the Dorchester and Weymouth areas.

"If this might be for you please contact Clare Rossall at Guide Dogs via email at VolunteerSouthwestWales@guidedogs.org.uk or on 07557 168956."